Review: passive immunity in beef-suckler calves.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Ruminant Health

Background:

• Colostrum-derived passive immunity is vital for neonatal beef-suckler calf health, performance, and welfare.
• Research on passive immunity in beef calves is less extensive compared to dairy calves.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge and identifies research gaps concerning beef calf passive immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and interpret published data on passive immunity in beef-suckler calves.
• To identify factors influencing colostrum quality and quantity in beef cows.
• To highlight areas requiring further investigation in beef calf passive immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of published research on beef calf passive immunity.
• Analysis of factors affecting colostrum immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) transfer and concentration.
• Examination of variables influencing calf passive immunity, including maternal factors and management practices.

Main Results:

• Colostrum immunoglobulin mass in beef cows is primarily limited by colostrum volume, with beef × dairy cows producing higher yields.
• Maternal nutrition during late gestation appears to have minimal impact on colostrum immunoglobulin concentration.
• Factors like dystocia and delayed suckling negatively affect calf passive immunity; feeding 5% of birth weight in colostrum shortly after birth is recommended.
• Calf passive immunity is generally higher in beef × dairy cows and lower in calves from primiparous dams.

Conclusions:

• Colostrum volume is a key determinant of immunoglobulin mass for beef calves.
• Accurate assessment of passive transfer failure (FPT) requires validated laboratory tests linked to health and performance outcomes.
• Further research is needed on colostrum factors limiting passive immunity and on validating diagnostic tests for FPT in beef calves.